SINGULAR DEATH IN YORK.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 16, Issue 877, 26 November 1870, Page 3

SINGULAR DEATH IN YORK.

A few days since (says a Jate English paper) a painter named Hendy discovered a person, between 60 and 70 years of age, wearing all the appearance of a gentleman, laid on his back across the footpath in a field in the vicinity of York. He was insensible, but revived on the administration of brandy. He was removed to the York Hospital, on reaching which he had again lapsed into unconsciousness. From this he was once and for a few m nates roused, and in reply to the question as to who he was, gave no further answer than " No." He died soon after, and then on his person was found five lancets and a memorandum book, containing the following singular reference to his anticipated death:— 4< To the Coroner.—Sir,-—As from repeated warnings I feel that my journey in life is nearly ended,and being a stranger, utterly unknown by name or person, I am anxious to shorten your trouble by informing you that I have long suffered from disease of the heart—the brain suffering too, the nervous system participating—occasioning hallucinations of a painful though indescribable character. Trusting jn our Saviour's finished work, I have no fears of the future state different from the great body of humble unpresumptuous siuners whose lives are spent usefully for others, if not profitably for myself. My last wishes are that, if my frail feeble body should ever be found within a short or inexpensive distance of school of anatomy, it may be sent there for final disposal/ that in death as in life it may be of some little use to humanity #nd science. A few words to Catholics who may read my last wishes. I humbly and earnestly, as they are believers in the intercession and communion of saints, beg for their prayers that my soul may rest in peace." It is presumed that the deceased was a surgecn, and an inquiry into the matter was adjourned for a week.